Ali Baba, Longwood

On Friday I had lunch at this Middle Eastern restaurant on 434 in between I4 and Ronald Reagan Blvd. I had the lunch buffet for $11.95 ($6.95 with coupon). $9.95 M-Th. It's a bargain at either price. They offered a huge assortment. Most of the items were fresh and flavorful. Let me try and remember most of what was on offer - Persian Soup, Chicken Soup, Hummus, Tabouleh, Babaganoush, Garlic Dip, Sesame Paste, Tzatziki, Feta Cheese, Cucumber Salad, Salad, Minced Chicken Kabob, Minced Beef Kabob, Chicken Cooked with Tomato, Tandori Style Chicken, Linguini, Lamb, Beef with Tumeric, Beef Saudi Style, Beef in little pieces, Pita, Baklava, Rose Water Cake. The Persian Soup was bland (noodles and beans). The Chicken Soup was not as tart as I've had (thankfully). The Tumeric beef was tasty. The dips were good (garlic will stay with you for days). The Baklava seemed a little stale. The Rose Water Cake tasted like soap (it's supposed to). The service was good. Quick on refills and dirty plates. The place was clean. The decor was culturally appropriate. They played Arab music. It seats about 80. It was 1/4 full. All types. They have belly dancing at night if you go for that. They sell Arab products. The buffet went the extra mile. They didn't just serve the basics you can find anywhere else.